News and reviews of made on Maui products and Maui-based companies and success stories. Also featuring island shopping guides

Posts tagged ‘Maui Preserved’

Maui Preservedwas started by two chefs, transplanted from New York City, with the goal to take Maui’s height of season produce and crafting pantry items tomake the harvests last. The company was launched in June 2010 by Maleta Van Loan and Anthony LaBua, with the goal of creating products and flavors that are both traditional and extraordinary. Their products range from pickles and hot sauce to jams, syrups, whole vanilla beans, and more! In the June 2013 issue of Sunset Magazine, Maui Preserved’s Sweet and Spicy Pineapple was featured in the article ‘100 New Reasons to Love the West’. Maleta LaBua, owner and operator of Maui Preserved, tells us how that mention came about, and shares a bit more about her sweet company.

The Sweet and Spicy Pineapple is one of the Reasons to Love the West

Maui Made: How did the write up in Sunset Magazine happen?

Maleta LaBua: Our press really comes about from someone from a magazine tasting our products that are either gifted to them or they pick up at one of the many events we participate in, farmer’s markets or state-wide retailers. All of our printed press was local until this article. It’s important to get your product out there because sometimes one person can make a big difference in sales. We always make sure to stay connected with writers who support us.

MB: I think it’s our intention. Maui Preserved is deeply rooted in the idea that eating well and sustainably is also delicious. Many customers keep telling us that our hot sauce is the best they have ever had. I think that also comes from Maui Preserved’s ability to modernize the classic cuisine and ingredients of Hawaii. There are so many climatic zones in Hawaii and we select the best ingredients from a region. We work on a recipe until its a winner! You can’t fake passion and we love to cook and most importantly eat!

Chef Anthony LaBua teaching a cooking class to students at Kihei Elementary through the nonprofit organization Grow Some Good.

MM: Any tips for someone starting a small business on Maui?

MB: Do your market research in regards to the local community versus the tourist community, and start with a solid business plan. It’s a small pool of business owners as well and its vital to work together and support each other.

Maui Preserved’s Hot Hot Sauce is made with the local Hawaiian Chile Pepper

MM: What’s next for Maui Preserved?

MB: We are developing a co-packing side of the company which is really exciting because it furthers our mission to serve local food to as many people as possible and to continue to support our local farmers as much as we can. This showcases our background as chefs and the skills and talent that we have worked hard to develop.

MM: Anything else you want to share?

MB: Maui Preserved was a way for two chefs to give back and contribute to the local food shed of Hawaii. It is the community that keeps Maui Preserved thriving. We just want to thank everyone who supports our business and allows us to do what we love!

It’s that time of year again, where you have to rack your brain to find the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list. Well, this year I’ve come up with some Maui-inspired gifts for even the pickiest grinch on your list.

For the Law-Abiding Citizen –

Maui Watch Hat – Wear it with Pride!

Brand new logo wear from MauiWatch – This Facebook phenomenon skyrocketed to success, literally overnight, as a fun page of spotting Maui’s infamous robo-cop, (who shall remain nameless, because you either know who he is or it doesn’t really matter) and sharing stories on their wall of shame. As the page morphed its identity, it’s become the island’s most reliable source of breaking news, from accidents to road closures to weather alerts. They recently launched a shop on their Facebook page, complete with hats and shirts, perfect the MauiWatch lover on your list. This constructed hat is made in the USA.

For your Little Mermaid –

A Custom Made Mermaid Tale – If there’s someone on your list who dreams of being a mermaid, her dreams are about to come true. Maui Flippahwill create a custom made mermaid tail, handmade on Maui, out of quality swimming grade materials and a durable monofin. Once the technique is mastered, these elegant and durable tails give swimmers remarkable speed and agility under water.

For your aspiring Pastry Chef –

These two sweet gifts will be treasures in any baker’s pantry.

Maui Preserved’s Vanilla Beans – A 5-pack of Maui Vanilla Beans, grown and cured on Maui, fresh and bursting with flavor. The process of growing vanilla beans is one of patience and precision, with no room for error. Maui Preserved’s beans boast high moisture content and are some of the only beans grown in the United States. Maui Preserved also offers jams and jellies, pickled vegetables, hot sauces, and the Sweet and Spicy Pineapple that was featured in Sunset Magazine. Purchase online, click here to view their retail stores, or check out their Seasonal kiosk at Queen Kaahumanu Mall.

Maui Culinary Academy’s Vanilla Mac Nut Sugar- Just a hint of vanilla and macadamia nuts to round out the flavors of your coffee, teas, or baked goods. Made by the students at Maui Culinary Academy, sugar proceeds from each sale go to support the education and scholarship programs at the school. Purchase online from HelloMakana.com,which also features curated gift baskets and subscription gift packages!

For your favorite nurse or doctor –

Sterling Silver Heartbeat Bangle by Maui Ocean Jewelry – This one is for all the nurses and doctors, or the one that makes your heart go pitter patter! The custom pulse line bangle, with a heart charm and 3 tiny pukas (or your choice of additions!), has been soldered, hammered, tumbled and polished for extra shine! Also comes in 14K gold filled. Buy on Etsy –

For your Maui-lover –

A subscription to Maui No Ka Oi Magazine – I’m talking about the person on your list who loves the Valley Isle, but if you have a lover on Maui… well, they might like this too. Maui No Ka Oi Magazine is having a great special, running through the end of the year – you can give a subscription as a gift, and get one for yourself for free! Just use the code WHOL2013 to activate!